Former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield convicted of drug possession

Former NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield was convicted of possession of stolen goods and possession of drug paraphernalia in Catawba County Court on Monday.

Mayfield’s 45-day sentence was suspended, and he was instead placed on unsupervised probation for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay $88,124.41 in restitution to victims and $1,100 in fines and other costs, according to a press release from prosecutors.

In a statement, District Attorney James Gaither said the sentence was in part due to the death of one of the state’s key witnesses “and the likely result should these cases have been presented to a jury without this witness.”

Mayfield’s problems started in 2009, when he was suspended by NASCAR, which said he twice tested positive for methamphetamine use. He has denied illegal drug use, but after two appeals the suspension was upheld. Mayfield was charged criminally after a Nov. 1 police raid at his house turned up stolen property.

Authorities say they found heavy machinery stolen from nearby companies and equipment taken from a racing operation.Mayfield and his wife were evicted from the house in November 2012 after the home went into foreclosure.

In December, firefighters in Catawba burned the 12,000-square-foot mansion as part of a practice drill.

Mayfield drove in 433 Sprint Cup races over 16 years. He had five victories.